Bayelsa United head coach Meremu Okara insists that the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season remains highly competitive at both ends of the table, with plenty still to play for. Okara made the comments as the Prosperity Boys sit 16th with 28 points and aim to climb the standings with 13 matches left.
The former Sharks and Dolphins right wing-back stressed that there are no insurmountable gaps separating teams contending for the title and those fighting relegation, making every remaining match crucial.
Okara highlighted that with 39 points still available for each club, no team except perhaps one or two with slight edges, has a guaranteed position at the top or safety at the bottom. He believes a good sequence of wins could dramatically alter Bayelsa United’s fortunes as the campaign closes.
The coach pointed out that the tight nature of the table means that if Bayelsa can string together three wins in a row, their league position could improve significantly, showing just how fluid the NPFL race remains.
Okara revealed that the club used the January transfer window to address attacking shortcomings, bringing in five new players, including three attackers, an attacking midfielder, and a defender in a bid to strengthen the squad for the season’s decisive phase.
He believes these additions will help Bayelsa United compete more effectively in upcoming fixtures and propel them up the NPFL ladder.
Editorial
Okara’s message comes at a pivotal stage in the NPFL season, where every point can make a huge difference. His emphasis on the league’s openness reflects the unpredictable nature of Nigerian top-flight football, where title chases and relegation battles often stretch deep into the final weeks. For supporters of Bayelsa United, this is both a challenge and an opportunity one that could define the club’s campaign.
Using the January transfer window proactively shows that Bayelsa United are not content to merely react to circumstances. Strengthening the squad in areas identified as weaknesses is a smart tactical move and suggests the coach is thinking long-term. Whether these changes translate into points will be eagerly watched by fans and neutrals alike.
In a league where consistency is rare and momentum can shift quickly, Okara’s belief in his team’s potential to climb the table is grounded in reality. With a mix of experience and new talent, Bayelsa United could yet grow into contenders for mid-table stability or potentially more as the NPFL season nears its climax.
Did You Know?
- Bayelsa United currently sit 16th in the NPFL standings with 28 points and 13 games remaining.
- Okara confirmed Bayelsa United signed five players during the January transfer window to bolster their squad.
- The NPFL season runs from August to May, with 246 matches scheduled in the 2025/26 campaign.
- Rivers United have been one of the league’s most consistent sides, remaining unbeaten in several matches this season.
- Points still available in the league (39) mean both the title race and relegation battle remain wide open.
